Worshipping Lord Hanuman Ji, known for his devotion, strength, and protection, brings immense blessings. When conducting Hanuman Puja at home, it’s essential to follow a structured, clean, and eco-friendly process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to worship Lord Hanuman Ji at home.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before starting the puja, cleanliness is of utmost importance. Here's how to prepare:
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes, preferably red (Hanuman Ji’s favorite color). Men can wear a red dhoti, and women can wear a red saree or salwar kameez.
- Home Cleanliness: Clean the puja room or the area where you will perform the worship. Mop the floors and ensure the space is tidy.
- Eco-Friendly Setup: Use traditional, eco-friendly puja items such as clay or brass lamps, natural incense sticks, and organic flowers. Avoid plastic or non-biodegradable materials.
2. Puja Items Required
Using traditional and eco-friendly products not only preserves nature but also enhances the purity of the worship. Here’s a list of items you will need:
- Hanuman Idol or Picture (preferably eco-friendly clay or brass)
- Aasan (Seat): A clean piece of red cloth or a simple mat to sit on
- Red Cloth to cover the idol or place beneath it
- Sindoor (Vermilion) for applying on Hanuman Ji's forehead
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) for lighting the lamp
- Eco-Friendly Incense Sticks or Dhoop
- Flowers: Red hibiscus or marigold are ideal
- Fresh Fruits for offering (Bananas are preferred)
- Pan Patta (Betel leaves)
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves
- Jaggery and Chana (Roasted Chickpeas) for prasad
- Coconut: Broken into two halves
- Puja Thali: A plate for placing all offerings
- Water in a copper pot for offering and purification
- Bell, to be rung during the aarti
- Camphor for aarti
3. Simple Steps to Perform Hanuman Puja
Here are the steps to perform the puja in a simple and organized way:
- Clean the Idol/Picture: Before starting, clean the idol or picture of Hanuman Ji with a damp, clean cloth.
- Arrange the Puja Items: Place the Hanuman idol or picture on a clean platform, covering it with a red cloth. Arrange all the offerings in front of it.
- Invoke Hanuman Ji: Sit on a clean aasan facing east or north and chant the following mantra to invite Hanuman Ji into your home:
Om Shree Hanumate Namah - Light the Lamp and Incense: Light the ghee lamp and eco-friendly incense sticks. This symbolizes removing darkness and purifying the surroundings.
- Offerings: Offer fresh flowers, fruits, betel leaves, and Tulsi to Hanuman Ji. Place the coconut, break it, and offer it as prasad.
- Apply Sindoor: Apply sindoor to Hanuman Ji’s forehead. This is a significant offering as Hanuman Ji loves sindoor.
- Chant Hanuman Mantras:
- Hanuman Chalisa: Recite the Hanuman Chalisa with devotion. It is one of the most powerful prayers that can be offered to Hanuman Ji.
Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari | Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chaari || - Other Mantras:
Repeat this mantra 11 or 21 times.Om Namo Bhagavate Anjaneyaya Mahabalaya Swaha
- Hanuman Chalisa: Recite the Hanuman Chalisa with devotion. It is one of the most powerful prayers that can be offered to Hanuman Ji.
- Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing aarti with camphor while ringing the bell. Sing the Hanuman Aarti:
Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki, Dusht Dalhan Raghunath Kala Ki
4. Prasad to be Prepared
Offer simple, sattvic food as prasad, which is free of onion and garlic. You can prepare:
- Jaggery and Chana (Roasted Chickpeas): Hanuman Ji is particularly fond of these.
- Bananas and other seasonal fruits.
- Sweets such as ladoos, especially boondi ladoo.
Always use eco-friendly or reusable containers for prasad distribution.
5. Concluding the Puja
- Prayers: After the aarti, offer your prayers to Hanuman Ji. Close your eyes, fold your hands, and seek his blessings.
- Prostrate: Perform Sashtang Pranam, lying down fully in front of the deity with complete surrender.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family and friends. You can also donate some portion to the needy.
6. What to Do with Leftover Items
Eco-friendly disposal of puja items is crucial:
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect the used flowers, betel leaves, and Tulsi leaves, and compost them in your garden or a local composting facility.
- Coconut: Use the coconut in cooking or share it with others.
- Ashes from Camphor: Dispose of them in a sacred place or a plant pot as it acts as a natural fertilizer.
- Water and Offerings: You can pour the water and milk offerings into plants or a sacred tree.
Always remember to use only biodegradable and eco-friendly puja products, avoiding any synthetic or plastic items.
7. Importance and Benefits of Hanuman Puja
Worshiping Hanuman Ji offers numerous spiritual and material benefits:
- Protection from Evil: Hanuman Ji is known for his protective powers, shielding devotees from negative energies, spirits, and adversities.
- Increased Strength and Courage: Hanuman Ji grants his devotees immense mental and physical strength, courage, and determination to face life’s challenges.
- Success in Endeavors: By invoking Hanuman’s blessings, one can achieve success in education, work, and personal life.
- Devotion and Humility: Worshiping Hanuman Ji teaches humility, selflessness, and devotion, the qualities that Hanuman Ji himself embodies in service to Lord Rama.
8. Final Thought
By adhering to this simple, eco-friendly, and traditional method of worship, you invite the divine energy of Lord Hanuman into your home. His grace can bring positivity, protection, and immense blessings, helping you face life's challenges with strength and devotion. Ensure that every step is performed with sincerity, humility, and environmental responsibility, honoring the divine and nature alike.